The Heiress's Comeback
Chapter 56: [Volume 1] - 56- Eldest husband..

Chapter 56: [Volume 1] Chapter 56- Eldest husband..

At the mention of their names, Ray and Esme nodded in acknowledgment, both offering polite, measured smiles. Esme’s eyes softened as she met Noah’s gaze, her smile warm and genuine. But Noah, still distant, merely nodded again, his lips pressing into a thin line. His discomfort was evident, and the air around them seemed to tighten with unspoken tension.

Just as the silence threatened to become uncomfortable, Ray cleared his throat and stepped forward, a mischievous gleam already forming in his eyes. "Uh, excuse me," he interrupted with a playful lilt to his voice, "I think you forgot to mention something." He paused, his gaze flickering between Noah and Diana, who had suddenly stiffened at his words. "Her *eldest* husband," he added, emphasizing the word with a hint of amusement.

Diana’s carefully maintained composure faltered for a moment, and a slight flush crept up her neck, spreading to her cheeks. Her smile tightened, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. She clearly wasn’t amused by the turn the conversation had taken, but Ray seemed entirely unfazed, his grin growing wider as he intertwined his fingers with Esme’s, gripping her hand in a firm, possessive hold.

Ray’s smile grew wider, mischievous as he held Esme’s hand firmly, intertwining his fingers with hers. "You see?" He repeated with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "My wife is so, so precious, that we can’t get enough of her. That’s why..." He paused for dramatic effect, casting a glance at Noah, whose expression remained tense and distant.

Esme gave Ray a small nudge, trying to hide her growing smirk. Diana, standing beside Noah, forced a stiff smile, though a faint hint of irritation flickered behind her eyes. She was clearly not pleased with how the conversation had taken a turn, especially with Ray’s playful remark highlighting the unconventional dynamic of Esme’s marriage.

Ray continued, undeterred by Diana’s simmering frustration. "That’s why she has more than one husband. We simply couldn’t leave her to just one mer, could we?" His tone was light and teasing, but the undercurrent of possessiveness was unmistakable.

Noah, still silent, seemed to grow more uncomfortable with every passing second, while Diana’s forced smile began to slip. The tension between the couples was palpable, though Ray’s playful demeanor and Esme’s calm exterior helped mask it somewhat.

Esme, noticing the growing awkwardness, decided to steer the conversation back to neutral ground. "It’s nice to meet you, Noah," she said with a gracious smile. "And congratulations on your engagement, Diana." She gave a polite nod, hoping to ease the tension.

Ray, still holding her hand, squeezed it gently, a silent gesture of support. Diana’s eyes narrowed for a split second before she masked her irritation with another forced smile.

"Yes, congratulations," Ray added, his tone genuine but with a glimmer of mischief that refused to fade.

Diana, clearly trying to maintain her composure, nodded stiffly. "Thank you," she replied, though her voice lacked its earlier warmth. "I hope you both enjoy the party."

With that, she turned on her heel, tugging Noah along with her. But as they walked away, Esme could feel the weight of Diana’s lingering gaze, heavy with unspoken resentment.

As Diana and Noah disappeared into the crowd, Esme let out a soft breath, finally allowing the smirk she’d been holding back to fully form. She glanced up at Ray, whose mischievous grin hadn’t faltered. His playful nature had always been a double-edged sword—charming, yet often stirring tension with ease. Tonight was no exception.

"Really, Ray?" Esme murmured under her breath, her tone light but tinged with amusement. "You just *had* to mention the husbands."

Ray chuckled, leaning closer so only she could hear. "Oh, come on. You know I can’t resist poking the bear." His fingers tightened ever so slightly around hers, grounding her amidst the mingling conversations and glittering lights of the party. "Besides, she was already on edge. I just... expedited the process."

Esme shook her head, her smile widening despite herself. "One of these days, you’re going to push someone too far."

"Maybe." Ray shrugged, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But that day’s not today."

Their banter felt familiar, a comfortable dance between them, but Esme couldn’t ignore the subtle shift in the atmosphere after Diana’s departure. The party continued around them, but she could still feel Diana’s resentment like a shadow lingering just at the edges of the room.

Ray must have noticed her unease because he turned her gently toward him, breaking her from her thoughts. "Don’t worry about her," he said softly. "We’re here together. That’s all that matters."

Esme’s expression softened as she gazed up at him. Ray’s confidence, his unwavering belief in their bond—even when it was unconventional, messy—was one of the things she loved most about him. And though Diana’s reaction had struck a nerve, Esme knew she had nothing to prove.

"You’re right," she said quietly, her smile returning as she squeezed his hand back. "Let’s enjoy the night."

Ray gave her a wink, pulling her toward the dance floor. "Now you’re talking."

As they swayed to the music, Esme allowed herself to let go of the lingering tension. For now, it was just the two of them amidst the sea of people. And in Ray’s arms, everything else seemed to fade into the background.

As the party continued, the music and chatter swirling around her, Esme felt a slight dizziness begin to settle in. Her head felt a little light, the kind of faintness that whispered of exhaustion or perhaps the effects of the warm, stuffy room. She leaned closer to Ray, who was engrossed in conversation with a group of people, and gently tugged on his sleeve.

"I’m heading to the washroom," she said quietly, trying not to interrupt his flow. Ray, without missing a beat in his discussion, gave a quick nod, his hand briefly squeezing hers in acknowledgment.

Esme turned and began making her way towards the restrooms, her pace steady despite the lingering unease in her head. But just as she passed the elevators, a sudden collision knocked into her, causing the wine glass in her hand to slosh violently, its contents spilling all over her white dress.